For Healthcare Professionals

It’s not easy talking about HS.

It’s even harder to talk about it if you’ve been dismissed or misunderstood in the past. But here’s the truth: you deserve care that reflects your reality, and your dermatologist can’t treat what they don’t know. From the physical pain to the mental strain, sharing every detail with them can make all the difference in your HS care—so speak up. Advocate for yourself. Go about the conversation with confidence, because your experience matters.

The reality of your HSdeserves attention

The reality of yourHS deserves attention

Lay out the challenges that you’ve been carrying all these years.

  • Physical: Pain intensity, pain frequency, odor, or discharge
  • Social: Missed work, social withdrawal, or intimacy challenges
  • Emotional: Anxiety, depression, shame, or any other mental health challenges
A white woman with blonde hair poses with an empowered expression on her face in a bra and underwear with her arms raised showing her HS scars under her armpits. A white woman with blonde hair poses with an empowered expression on her face in a bra and underwear with her arms raised showing her HS scars under her armpits.
Ashley, living with HS.

Conversation starters

Conversation starters

Not sure where to begin? These openers can help.

  • “HS has been affecting my day-to-day more than it used to. Can we talk about that?”
  • “Here’s what I’ve tried, and what hasn’t worked.”
  • “I want to talk about other options I haven't explored yet.”
A woman with long brown hair poses with an empowered expression on her face in a bra and underwear with her arms raised showing her HS scars under her armpits. Below the headline is a tag with the patient's name which reads "Tatiana, real HS patient." A woman with long brown hair poses with an empowered expression on her face in a bra and underwear with her arms raised showing her HS scars under her armpits. Below the headline is a tag with the patient's name which reads "Tatiana, real HS patient."
Tatiana, living with HS.

Besides speaking up, bringing photos of your flares or notes about when HS hits the hardest can give your dermatologist a clearer picture of what you’re dealing with. Remember, they’re here to help, so helping them can only help you.

Looking for a dermatologist?

The right one can change everything.

Find an HS specialist near you
Parish, living with HS.
A Black man, with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), poses with his back to the camera. On his back his HS scars are visible Below is a tag which reads "Parish, real HS patient." A Black man, with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), poses with his back to the camera. On his back his HS scars are visible Below is a tag which reads "Parish, real HS patient."

HS, hidradenitis suppurativa.